SailGP Launches Host City Bid Process For Season Three

SailGP has opened the bidding process for its Season 3 host venues, starting in 2022, with fewer than 50 days to go until the start of its expanded second season. 

The series will invite cities that ‘share its commitment to a cleaner future’ to be part of its global racing calendar, as it seeks to create a sustainable sport. It’s current upcoming Season 2 starts in April and features eight cities across three continents.

According to the series, future SailGP host cities must sign the league’s Climate Action Charter and commit to two key impact projects: one on energy ‘powered by nature’ for the city and a ‘blue carbon project’ to maintain or restore critical carbon-sequestering shoreline ecosystems which protect the waters in which SailGP racing takes place. 

Highlighting that cities are responsible for more than 70% of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions, SailGP says that, as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property, it is already setting ‘a new standard’ for major event hosting – having measured, reduced and offset its own carbon footprint. It’s now targeting a 55% reduction of its carbon footprint and becoming ‘fully powered by nature’ by 2025. 

The remaining carbon that can not be eliminated is offset via a partnership with One Carbon World, directly supporting renewable energy wind projects around the world.

“We want to use our platform to undertake bold and creative activities that achieve our goal of helping to accelerate the global transition to clean energy,”said Sir Russell Coutts, CEO,  SailGP.

“SailGP Season 3 will set a new standard for sport globally through our aspiration to assemble the most sustainable global events calendar in sport.

“Therefore we are inviting cities that share our passion for the environment and clean energy to become a part of history and host a SailGP event in Season 3 and beyond.” Beyond positioning themselves as a global leader in sustainability and clean energy – plus the association with a world class climate positive global event – host venues will also benefit from direct economic impact. 

“In its inaugural season, SailGP generated an average impact of $23 million per event and attracted a worldwide broadcast audience of 256 million across five events. These economic and environmental benefits are matched with community engagement opportunities through SailGP Inspire – the league’s inclusive community, education and outreach initiative – and SailGP’s Race for the Future purpose-driven agenda.”

Fiona Morgan, Director of Purpose and Impact, SailGP added : “Our ambition is to be the most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports platform. We believe the power of sport can make a big difference to educate and tackle climate change, and next season will be another step in using our platform to do just that. We want to work with host cities that share our values and commitment to a cleaner and better future, and together – working with like-minded cities and partners – believe we have the power to change the world, one event, one city at a time.” 

Building on the foundations set in Seasons 1 and 2, SailGP’s third season will commence in May 2022 and run through March 2023, while cities must express interest no later than April 2021.